Agriculture’s technology landscape is expanding rapidly across both the farm and the wider agrifood value chain.
This edition brings together developments ranging from AI-powered machinery and greenhouse intelligence to new herbicide and fungicide technologies, climate-resilient rice planning and major investments in fisheries and the blue economy.
Japan is opening new pathways for autonomous farming, while companies and investors are scaling technologies across markets from India and Brazil to Southeast Asia.
At the same time, sustainability remains central, with new efforts in ecological restoration, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.
Together, these developments highlight how technology, capital and data are increasingly converging to reshape agricultural productivity, resilience and business opportunities.
FMC Files Brazil Registration for World’s First Dual Mode of Action Herbicide Rimisoxafen
FMC Corporation has submitted a regulatory dossier in Brazil for rimisoxafen, a novel herbicide classified by HRAC as the first active ingredient with two distinct modes of action in a single molecule. The herbicide simultaneously targets phytoene desaturase and solanesyl diphosphate synthase, corresponding to HRAC Groups 12 and 32.
FMC is developing the product to address difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds, including Amaranthus hybridus and Palmer amaranth, in corn and soybean production. The company said the dual-pathway mechanism could provide a higher resistance barrier compared with single-site herbicides.
Brazil marks FMC’s second regulatory submission for rimisoxafen, following its US EPA application in July 2026. Commercial sales are expected toward the end of the decade, subject to regulatory approvals.
Philippines Links Weather and Rice Data to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Farm Planning
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have signed a data-sharing agreement to strengthen climate-resilient rice planning through 2028.
Under the partnership, PAGASA will provide weather and climate datasets, including rainfall, temperature, wind, humidity, cyclone tracks, drought assessments, soil moisture maps and rainfall forecasts. DA-PhilRice will contribute rice-area and planting-date maps, crop growth-stage data, historical production and yield information, and rice-risk assessments.
Combining these datasets could help identify how weather and climate risks affect rice crops across locations and growth stages. The partnership is expected to support crop monitoring, disaster preparedness, research and more targeted climate-risk management.
Data-use safeguards will restrict commercial exploitation and unauthorised disclosure of raw APIs, credentials and proprietary datasets. The agreement remains in force until December 2028, creating a framework for integrating climate intelligence with rice production data for agricultural decision-making.
ADB Launches $6 Billion Blue Economy Initiative
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced plans to mobilize up to $6 billion through 2030 to protect Southeast Asia’s marine ecosystems and strengthen the region’s blue economy. The ASEAN Blue Economy Initiative will support fisheries, aquaculture, coastal resilience, port-linked value chains and marine pollution reduction.
ADB estimates that Southeast Asia produces around one-fifth of global fisheries and aquaculture output, while coastal industries support millions of jobs, trade and local economies. The initiative will strengthen policies, institutions and data systems to support investment in priority blue-economy sectors.
It will also promote circular-economy solutions, improved water and solid-waste systems, and innovative financing to attract private capital.
The program supports the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework and Implementation Plan for 2026–2030 and forms part of ADB’s broader $30 billion commitment to mobilize financing for ASEAN priorities by 2030.
ADAMA Launches Rexaro Fungicide in India for Specialty Crops
ADAMA has launched Rexaro®, a new broad-spectrum fungicide in India containing Fluopicolide 17.54% w/w + Cymoxanil 21.05% w/w SC. The product combines two complementary modes of action to provide preventive and early curative control of key Oomycete diseases.
Rexaro® is designed for specialty crops including grapes, potatoes and vegetables, with field evaluations showing efficacy against downy mildew in grapes and cucumber and late blight in potatoes.
ADAMA said the fungicide also has activity against tomato root rot, brassica downy mildew and onion diseases. Its Ayalon™ formulation technology is designed to improve spreading, leaf penetration, rainfastness and tank-mix compatibility.
Following the India launch, ADAMA also plans to introduce Rexaro® in Ghana for use in cacao crops.
Dhanuka Agritech Launches Wetcit Neo Adjuvant and Fujita Fungicide for the Indian Market
Dhanuka Agritech has launched two new crop protection products in India: Wetcit Neo, an adjuvant, and Fujita, a systemic fungicide for rice blast disease.
Wetcit Neo combines avocado oil, blackcurrant oil and surfactants to reduce spray-water surface tension and improve spreading, coverage, penetration and absorption.
The company says the adjuvant is compatible with most pesticide chemistries and integrates multiple adjuvant functions into a single formulation. Fujita contains isoprothiolane 40% EC and is designed to control leaf, nodal and neck blast in rice.
The fungicide provides preventive and curative action through systemic movement within the plant and inhibits fungal phospholipid biosynthesis. Both products have been launched specifically for the Indian domestic market.
AgriS Opens Singapore Innovation Centre to Accelerate Global Agricultural Technology Commercialization
Vietnamese agribusiness company AgriS has opened a Global Innovation Center in Singapore to accelerate the commercialization and international scaling of agricultural technologies.
The centre is designed to connect agricultural R&D, technology, data, production capabilities, capital and international markets. AgriS plans to work with research institutions, technology companies, investors and industry partners to test and co-develop solutions under real-world agricultural conditions.
The hub will focus on accelerating innovation, connecting R&D with businesses and global markets, strengthening value chains and supporting regional expansion.
The company aims to identify technologies and partnerships beyond Vietnam while helping international investors and technology firms access its agricultural production platforms.
By bringing research, production, financing and market considerations together, AgriS aims to shorten the path from laboratory innovation to commercial deployment.
Hokkaido Gets Japan’s First Special Zones for AI-Powered Agriculture
Japan has designated 19 municipalities in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region, including Obihiro, as national strategic special zones for AI-powered agriculture. The initiative will relax selected regulations to support the deployment of autonomous tractors, agricultural drones and other labour-saving technologies.
Under the new framework, autonomous tractors will be allowed to travel on public roads without a driver when operating in a convoy with a crewed vehicle. Regulations around communications infrastructure for uncrewed operations will also be eased to support autonomous machinery.
The large-scale farms of Tokachi will serve as a real-world testing ground for AI, robotics and connected agricultural systems. The government aims to encourage technology companies to develop and commercialise new agricultural solutions while addressing labour constraints.
A government survey and demonstration project are scheduled to begin in September, with a symposium planned in Obihiro in November.
Hortiya Brings Generative AI to Greenhouse Agriculture
German agtech startup Hortiya is developing a generative AI model designed to understand how plants respond to environmental conditions and production inputs. The technology combines greenhouse sensor data with weather, crop and biological signals to support decisions on lighting, nutrients and other resource-intensive inputs.
Hortiya has already developed an AI-based system for optimising artificial lighting, with laboratory tests indicating energy savings of up to 30% while maintaining yields. The system is being tested in two research pilots and by a commercial customer operating a 54,000-square-foot greenhouse.
The company aims to develop a broader foundation model that could help growers simulate production scenarios involving weather conditions, energy availability and input costs.
Hortiya has raised around $1 million in pre-seed funding through grants and convertible loan notes to support development of its technology.
The startup sees high-quality biological data collection and model development as key challenges in bringing generative AI to controlled-environment agriculture.
Omnivore Portfolio Reaches 20.8 Million Farmers
Agrifood startups backed by venture capital firm Omnivore have reached 20.81 million smallholder farmers and 61,711 rural MSMEs across India, according to its 2026 Impact Reports covering the Omnivore Partners India Fund and Omnivore Agrifood and Climate Sustainability Fund.
The portfolio includes companies such as DeHaat, Arya.ag, Sid’s Farm, Varaha, Farmley and Pixxel, spanning farmer services, rural finance, food, climate and deeptech. Across the two funds, portfolio companies have generated $5.64 billion in combined economic value for smallholder farmers directly and indirectly.
The reports also record 11.55 million hectares under sustainable agriculture, alongside metrics covering emissions avoided and nutritious food sales. Financial inclusion has expanded as well, with $2.18 billion in insurance coverage provided to rural households and $63.62 million in loans enabled for rural MSMEs.
Omnivore has invested in India’s agriculture and food economy since 2011, with its portfolio expanding from technology-led agricultural businesses into climate, deeptech, rural finance, food and consumer markets.
New Holland Launches 3230 TX Tractor in Chhattisgarh
New Holland, a brand of CNH, has launched the 3230 TX tractor in Chhattisgarh, expanding its mechanisation portfolio in the state. Available in 2WD and 4WD variants, the 42 HP tractor is designed for diverse agricultural applications and can operate implements including seed drills, potato planters, rotavators, cultivators, harrows and balers.
The tractor features a 42 HP engine delivering 39 HP of useful power, along with XTRA Torque and Economy and Reverse PTO options aimed at improving implement efficiency and fuel use.
Its hydraulic lift capacity of up to 2,000 kg and heavy-duty Planetary Drive axle support demanding field and haulage operations. The optional 4WD version is designed to provide improved traction and reduced wheel slippage in challenging soil conditions.
Operator-focused features include Lift-O-Matic control, Softech Clutch, Side Shift AFD gearbox, Synchro shuttle and Real Oil Immersed Brakes. With the launch, New Holland aims to expand access to versatile and efficient farm mechanisation solutions for farmers across Chhattisgarh.
Hindustan Zinc Restores 1,105 Hectares as Part of Green Mining Efforts
Hindustan Zinc has restored 1,105 hectares of land as part of its efforts to integrate ecological restoration, water stewardship and decarbonisation into its mining operations.
The restoration programme includes land reclamation, plantation, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable land-use practices, aligned with the company’s Sustainability Goals 2030.
Since 2020, Hindustan Zinc has planted 8.5 lakh saplings, including 1.14 lakh during FY26, through initiatives such as Miyawaki plantations and the Green Zawar programme.
The company has also partnered with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on a 250-hectare ecological restoration project at its Chanderiya Lead-Zinc Smelter Complex in Rajasthan.
Water management is another focus, with the company reporting a water-positive status of 3.32 times and more than 30% of its water requirement being met through treated sewage.
Renewable energy accounted for about 18% of power consumption in FY26, with the company targeting 70% by FY28. Its climate roadmap targets a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, alongside a longer-term ambition of net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
UP Receives ₹600.20 Crore Investment Proposals for Fisheries Sector
Uttar Pradesh received investment proposals worth ₹600.20 crore in the fisheries sector during the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2026. The proposals include ₹509.20 crore for cold-chain infrastructure, ₹51 crore for feed mills, ₹13.80 crore for fish farming, ₹6.20 crore for hatcheries and fish seed production, and ₹20 crore for value addition and exports.
Investors including Fish White, BVG India and PVR Aqua expressed interest in developing fisheries-related projects across the state. Proposed investments cover fish production, quality fish seed availability, modern hatcheries, feed manufacturing, cold-chain infrastructure and value-added fish products.
The Fisheries Department provided investors with information on available investment opportunities, government schemes and project requirements.
According to the department, private investment is expected to support higher fish production and productivity while strengthening infrastructure, processing, value addition and marketing.
The discussions at UPITS resulted in proposals across multiple fisheries segments, supporting the state’s efforts to expand its fisheries and aquaculture ecosystem.